Empathy Health Technologies, creator of the digital health app Sober Sidekick, has raised $2.8 million in seed funding to expand its impact on the addiction recovery community. The app, which supports individuals on their journey to sobriety, has quickly grown in prominence, with nearly 500,000 downloads and approximately 1,000 new users joining daily.
With 40 million adults in the U.S. affected by substance use disorder, but only 1 in 7 receiving treatment annually, the healthcare system bears a significant financial burden, with costs exceeding $50 billion annually. Sober Sidekick is aiming to close the gap by fostering a supportive community for those managing their recovery and providing access to resources anytime, anywhere.
Founder and CEO Chris Thompson, who launched the app in 2019 to aid in his own recovery, is committed to helping millions share their comeback stories. “I am alive because the right people showed up for me at my most critical moments,” said Thompson. “Sober Sidekick exists to create a world where connecting with the right people at the right time is no longer left to chance.”
The app targets relapse prevention, offering a platform where individuals can engage with others who have faced similar challenges. With a third-party study showing a 48% reduction in reported relapse rates for users who engage on the platform, Sober Sidekick is making a tangible impact in addiction recovery. The app’s predictive data capabilities allow it to forecast potential relapses with over 90% accuracy, enabling timely intervention.
Strategic Investment and Healthcare Expansion
The $2.8 million funding round was led by a consortium of investors including HealthX Ventures, Nina Capital, Ikigai Growth Partners, 46 Ventures, and others. These funds will help Sober Sidekick scale operations and deepen engagement with the healthcare sector. The platform has already secured two pilot programs with a major global insurance provider, further validating its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes and reducing relapse-related healthcare costs.
With the new funding, Sober Sidekick plans to expand its resources and reach, ensuring that users have access to vital support whenever they need it. The app is becoming an essential tool for health plans and national providers aiming to enhance treatment success rates while lowering the economic strain caused by substance use disorders.
A Growing Community of Support
As Sober Sidekick continues to grow, it is poised to become a cornerstone of digital health for addiction recovery. The app’s community-driven approach, combined with its advanced data analytics, is reshaping how recovery support is provided, ensuring that individuals have a lifeline during their most critical moments.
With this new investment, Sober Sidekick is set to increase its impact and empower even more individuals to share their stories of recovery, offering hope and connection to those facing substance use challenges.
For more information, visit sobersidekick.com.
